If you have not received dental services in a while, you are putting yourself at risk for a number of dental issues. There's a chance that you have an existing issue that you have dismissed as being a minor consequence of not going to the dentist regularly. Ignoring most signs of oral discomfort will likely lead to a need for a more complex dental solution. A potential outcome of delayed treatment could result in unnecessary pain, tooth loss, or mandatory tooth extraction.

Root canals are common procedures that some individuals fear. Today's root canals are dental services that can help to restore decayed and infected teeth. The process may be uncomfortable for some patients. However, if you have ever had a severe toothache, you will likely find that it was worse than the discomfort from a root canal. Dentists provide anesthesia during these services and pain medication to take as needed post-op. The following points identify undiagnosed symptoms that could be indicative of a needed root canal. 

Tooth Sensitivity

There are other things that can cause tooth sensitivity such as enamel erosion. However, individuals who need to get a root canal experience this symptom when they consume hot and cold beverages. The sensitivity is caused by a reaction in the sensitive nerves in the dental pulp. It may occur as a sharp intense pain, or it may linger as a dull pain. Individuals who experience this symptom are likely to start avoiding certain foods that they have determined "flare-up" their tooth sensitivity. 

Tooth Pain

Toothaches may start to happen when tooth sensitivity is not addressed. The pain may initially respond to over-the-counter pain medication. However, it will likely require more and more medication to moderate the pain. Sometimes the pain may disappear and provide a sense of false relief. This type of toothache will not go away without addressing the issues of infection. 

Swollen Gums

Gums can get inflamed in the early stages of gingivitis. This does not necessarily mean that individuals with inflamed gums need root canals.  However, it does suggest that a dentist appointment is needed to determine the exact nature of the problem and the appropriate dental services.

Symptoms of a root canal can mimic other conditions. This is why a dentist should always be used as a resource when a tooth infection is suspected. Sometimes there are obvious signs that a tooth likely needs a root canal such as the visible presence of severe decay.